Chemist Warehouse Takanini confirmed an internal investigation was also under way.<\/p>\n
The mother alleged the formula tin was fully sealed when it was opened.<\/p>\n
The mum of two, who did not want to be named, said she noticed what looked like tiny insects moving inside the powder after opening the tin on Saturday .<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need really good eyes to spot it, like, it was, like, a really tiny one at first,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut then when my husband dug into it, he found more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tin was sealed at the time of purchase and showed no visible holes in its packaging, she claimed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just went and returned it to Chemist Warehouse, and then we dug it in front of the cashiers as well. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then we found more inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
The baby formula was sold at a Chemist Warehouse store in Takanini last week. Photo \/ Warren Buckland<\/p>\n
The family received a refund upon returning it to the store.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a bit disturbing because, you know, we\u2019re dealing with babies here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re presuming the whole batch might be infested, so we just switched to the other formula.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, Danone said it takes customers\u2019 concerns \u201cextremely seriously\u201d and that all batches undergo extensive testing, including for foreign matter, before being released to market.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as we were notified of this complaint, it was escalated to our quality team for further analysis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Danone also said scorched milk particles can occasionally appear in infant formula products.<\/p>\n
New Zealand Food Safety has confirmed it is investigating the complaint.<\/p>\n
\u201c[They\u2019re] a common occurrence in the milk manufacturing process and, although unsightly, they are harmless and do not pose a risk to food safety,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom our conversations with consumers, we know that storage conditions in the home are a critical factor for maintaining the integrity of the product once it\u2019s opened. <\/p>\n
\u201cInfant formula products should be stored in a cool dry place. After opening, the container should be kept airtight; avoid leaving the tin open on counters, and consume the contents within four weeks. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf the foil security seal is damaged or missing when opened, do not use the product.\u201d<\/p>\n
At this stage, Bishop said scorched particles could be a possible explanation but confirmed NZ Food Safety would independently test the product.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have contacted the manufacturer and will visit them and the retailers to establish the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n
She emphasised that if a wider issue was identified, \u201cwe would take immediate action to address the risk and keep consumers safe\u201d. <\/p>\n
Infant formula manufacturers were required to follow strict rules to ensure their product\u2019s safety, with regulated environments and systematic checks at the production point, Bishop said.<\/p>\n